2016 Mazda 3 2.0L Petrol · MT16 FHZ

The 2016 Mazda 3 presents a stable but mechanically tired profile at 113,648 miles. The most recent MOT, conducted on 2026-02-09, passed, yet the tester flagged front brake pads worn very thin and an offside rear tyre worn close to the legal limit. This indicates the car is being driven right to the edge of consumable component life before replacement. The maintenance trend is broadly stable, with no catastrophic failures, but the recurring nature of brake and tyre wear advisories suggests a pattern of running components to their minimum tolerances rather than proactive preventative upkeep. The vehicle's mileage accumulation is entirely typical for a ten-year-old car, averaging roughly 11,365 miles per year. The record shows a gap of approximately 8,272 miles between the January 2025 test at 105,376 miles and the February 2026 test at 113,648 miles, which is consistent with steady daily use. There are no alarming mileage spikes or suspiciously low annual increases that would suggest long periods of standing or clocking. The MOT history itself is sparse, with only two tests recorded in the last two years, but the mileage progression between them is linear and unremarkable. A buyer should pay close attention to the front braking system. The tester flagged front brake pads wearing thin in both the January 2025 and February 2026 tests, with the latter describing them as very thin. This strongly implies the pads have not been replaced since at least early 2025 and are now likely overdue. Inspect the front discs for scoring, lipping, or uneven wear, and check whether the pads have been replaced since the last test. The offside rear tyre worn on the edge in February 2026 also warrants a thorough check of rear wheel alignment and suspension geometry, particularly given the offside front lower suspension arm rear bush advisory noted in January 2024. That bush wear, while not severe enough to cause a failure, can contribute to uneven tyre wear if left unaddressed. The January 2025 failure for a major central rear exhaust leak and emissions non-compliance is a notable concern. Although the car passed its February 2026 test without an exhaust advisory, a buyer should verify the integrity of the full exhaust system, paying particular attention to the centre and rear sections for signs of temporary repairs, clamp marks, or fresh welding. A smoke test or pre-purchase inspection focusing on exhaust gas integrity and emissions compliance would be prudent. The windscreen damage noted in January 2025, described as not affecting the driver's view, should also be inspected to confirm it has not spread and remains outside the swept area of the wipers. Overall, this Mazda 3 appears fundamentally sound but is running on worn consumables and has a history of deferred minor faults that a diligent buyer should budget to rectify.